ISHS Acta Horticulturae 444: III International Symposium on Kiwifruit
MATURITY AND POST-HARVEST BEHAVIOR OF AN EARLY MATURING KIWIFRUIT SELECTION. |
| Author: | P. Blanchet |
| Abstract:
The selection of an early maturing cultivar, called MontCap, has been achieved in Montauban among the progency of open pollinated Hayward seedlings. The fruit size is about 100g and the shape something between Hayward's and Bruno's. Its maturity is one month ahead of Hayward's. Its post-harvest behavior is similar to Hayward's as it requires some cold storage (minimum one week) in order to achieve a proper maturity. This pattern is different from the other earlier maturing species as Actinidia arguta, setosa or chinensis softening normally on the vine. Unlike Hayward our selection has a short storage ability as soon as softening has started. Therefore the market slot of this variety is limited to the beginning of the season during the period when no Hayward of a reasonable quality is available. This work confirms the very special shipping and storage ability of Hayward. Brix level and softening on the vine are not the most accurate selection criteria for new varieties. Post-harvest firmness is the best criterion. | |
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